Chip shops are like pubs in Ireland; there is one on every corner. But on Limerick’s Parnell Street there is one that is not like the others. Luigi’s is a family fish and chip shop opposite the city train station in a fairly unsensational part of town. But step into this long-established eatery and you will be transported to a little piece of Manhattan, New York. Read more…

I’ll be honest, I didn’t buy this poster. I blagged it. Blagging is a necessary skill to have if you ever want to get your hands on unique finds like this original show poster from the Abbey Theatre. Some years ago, I was walking down Dublin’s Parnell Street when I saw a van parked outside the Abbey sticking posters on the wall when instinct struck Read more…

I first saw images of chalkboard walls a few years ago and thought they were wonderful for kid and adults alike, as well as easy and cheap to replicate but I was renting at the time so didn’t give the idea much consideration.

I was invited recently to take some snaps of a local school’s Junk Kouture entries. Open to secondary schools all over the country the competition brief is simple: create an awe-inspiring outfit with nothing but recycled materials. Easier said than done. Read more…

It is so satisfying when I find someone who shares my love of junk. The Mad Latvian, a.k.a. Martins Punculis, sees as much potential in waste materials as I do, but at least he has the skills to do something about it. Read more…

I have killed every single plant that has entered my home, bar a determined little ivy currently in the bathroom (I think there are some little green fingered elves hiding behind the sink looking after that one).

Despite this sad fact, I am always tempted to re-attempt some greenery in my home – plants really do add life to a room. Read more…

I only stumbled on this lucky dip of a store when visiting the Ballysimon car boot sale – its in the same retail park. It’s large enough to hold a wide range of different pieces for all tastes, including plenty of second hand new-ish pieces for those who want modern on a budget and even a room-load dedicated to pieces for upcycling. As always I made a beeline for the early-mid 20th century stuff, and today there was plenty. Read more…

The instinct to thrift is a basic one. I don’t mean our cave-dwelling ancestors liked to take a Sunday stroll through the local Car Boot, but that we, as a people, can’t help but seek out things that enrich us. Read more…

My house is nearly as old as me, which is a bit disconcerting when you see the state of it when I first moved in. It can be overwhelming moving from a two bed rental into a three bed home, especially when you’re on a budget – where do you start? Read more…